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Thursday, 21 March 2013

Message from a Bulldog fan

I am the proud owner of my very first bulldog. 16 months old white boy. I've had many breeds in the past, hunting and guard large dogs but by far my bulldog, my pride and joy is the best dog I've ever had. The most human one!

With this in mind, I don't appreciate your articles about the bulldogs and I would like you to apologise and stop writing lies and denigrate this wonderful breed! My boy tyres down other breeds in the open parks when they play and I could always send you pics or videos of how fit and agile he is. I see you have a problem with dogs panting? Why do you have a problem with that? That's how they breathe or did you not know that? I look at your dogs pics and they pant too. Wow, I'm really surprised by it as according to you only bulldogs pant. How come there isn't a bitter article aimed at the breed your dogs are because they pant? In fact, a lady is at least fair play, you don't seem to be fair play, therefore what are you then?

Because of nasty people like you, this fantastic breed gets such bad publicity. I'm not a breeder I put money in my dog instead of taking out any and I'll carry on doing so until I can! My dog is my child but I'm fed up with people being so uneducated or stupidly ignorant to get surprised every time they see a bulldog move, or jump or run.

Don't forget, this breed in it's current shape has been around since 1920 and during this time the breed had survived, improved and more it is very popular. Why do you think that is despite your efforts to ruin this breed every year?

If you are a lady, I will send you pics and videos of my boy playing and acting like a normal dog and I would like you to publish them and apologise to the bulldog world for hitting the breed with no reason!

If this message gets ignored, you'll just prove the world you are a ignorant wannabe cunt who'll eat shit to move up and forget about manners and fairness.

106 comments:

Describing herself here obviously. She could always pick up a dog book or two and understand that dogs are not human beings for a start. For that reason alone her dog is well and truly screwed to have the misfortune of having her as his guardian.

I don't appreciate her being allowed to own a dog actually. She's too stupid.

A fairly horrendous article by Fleur Britten in today's 'Style Magazine' in the Times. Page 38, entitled 'Diamond Dogs'. Mention of Pugs and Bulldogs as the pick of the litter as, you guessed it, to make you look good.

Anon 14:55 Another exploitation of dogs to satisfy the failings of the human condition. The programme Under Designer Dogs was dreadful and alarming a) because of the puppies being shipped in from E Europe, travelling for 22 hours, no food, water, fresh air, their crates looked as if they were just thrown in the back of a white van so unable to sleep either because of the jostling. b) the fact that they were clearly under 12 weeks and therefore their paperwork was false because it stated that they had been vacc for rabies, wormed etc etc, and most frightening of all is that they come into the UK as COMMERCIAL GOODS, not livestock so are waived through therefore by passing any welfare checks. They are effectively coming into this Country carrying god knows what worm wise but high risk for rabies. I have contacted Defra, MPs, etc to get this trade stopped. If some nitwit brought in other species in the vans the effect on our agricultural industry would be catastrophic.

At least that program was educational. sometimes hsock tactics work - like Jemima's work. This article in The Times is appalling. 'Get yourself a Pug and you can look really cool too' is the message 'Bulldogs are for butch guys' etc. Pathetic and supposedly aimed at an educated readership!? More like a readership that is shallow, superficial and thinks that dogs are disposable items. But I digress...sorry to rant. What to do? Write to the soddin' fashion journalist and hope she has a shred of empathy and understanding for canine welfare?

Jemima, as a journalist, who would it be best to complain to officially about articles that you think may be inappropriate with regard to welfare issues?

Hi Anon 09:34 my other fear is that if a young family buys one of these puppies from E Europe their young children are extremely vulnerable. The worming aspect is vital for the safety of children.The twit that published the article needs a trip to a dog home, a cruelty case, a puppy farm, a drive into a layby where these EE puppies are being offloaded, a vet's surgery where a dog that has been beaten is being operated on. The twit may, and only may, review the stupid irresponsible words and pictures it has published and regret it. It was probably the same twit who advocated tea cup puppies, handbag puppies etc etc etc.Rant on, seemingly a rant a day keeps the doctor away?????????

Hi Kirstie, ranting makes you feel a bit better doesn't it but it doesn't help the dogs or address the issues. I was just gobsmacked reading about these people who smuggle these poor, vulnerable, sick dogs into the country. I deliberately didn't watch that program as I knew it would be upsetting. Good for you for taking your concerns higher. Please keep us posted. Being at the sharp end of animal welfare must be absolutely draining. Rewarding certainly, but also reveals the depravity and greed that our species are capable of.

I think you are the stupid one my love as you can't obviously read ok calling me a she instead of a he!! Mario and the text in my message is a clear indication of the gender! I treat my dog as my child which means I give them the care, love and time like for a child but I think you are too stupid to understand that!! I do not run a zoo at home to keep them caged, etc.I have enough brain and responsibility to decide what is good for my dogs and how to look after them and not just follow a book simply because a random person says so in a book! I look always at who says it then to what they had said!

I don't appreciate you offer views on blogs when you should be in the primary school learning how to read first!

The most telling line here is "my dog is my child" i.e. "I'm totally blinkered and will have nothing said against him or his breed."The issue isn't about whether individual Bulldogs can lead active lives despite their conformation. It's whether the conformation that wins titles in the ring conspires against a healthy active life. I, like Jemima, see some improvement but believe there's still a long way to go.As for "panting is how they [dogs] breathe." Panting is how dogs control their temperature… how dogs "sweat". Panting after exercise or on a hot day is one thing but panting in a cool room after a amble around a small show ring is quite another.

The most telling line here is "my dog is my child" i.e. "I'm totally blinkered and will have nothing said against him or his breed."

Yes definitely and also 'I really have no idea about what a dog, as a species separate to human beings, is actually about'. The implications of this attitude is that his health will suffer - the dog is likely to overheat in situations if she thinks his panting is just normal breathing - and her dangerous anthropormorphism will compromise the dog's behavioural welfare. Poor dog.

Poor dog???? If that is what you understood from my message or if this is how much you know about dogs their breathing and panting then POOR SCHOOL and POOR PARENTS paying for your school!!! Start again I would suggest!

As much as I dislike smooshy faced dogs and don't approve of the foul language, you can't really be suprised your disliked?? You go out your way to wind up different breeds with nasty inflammatory comments. I mean really its no coincidence for the past few months your hits were down and bingo a few spiteful, hate filled one sided blog posts and you've had a super busy blog for a few days.The truth is you thrive on attention andthis isa way to get it.. lets face it your all talk about what breeders can do but YOU don't actually show us that you can do it better.

"You go out your way to wind up different breeds with nasty inflammatory comments." Hmmm, now why would she say such things? MAYBE BECAUSE THE BREEDS ARE ALL EFFED UP, RUINED?!

People dislike Jemima because they can't handle the TRUTH about their beloved breed's horrible health situation and other problems!! They just want to close their eyes and pretend that there are no problems.

As harsh at it may seem, the problems need to be discussed thoroughly and truthfully..And Jemima is doing just that!

Also, nothing justifies that kind of namecalling. You said you "dislike foul language", yet you seem to be implying that Jemima deserved it? You need to fix your way of thinking, because that's kind hypocritical, sweetie..

I do mention the odd good thing, too. Look out for a great KC/AHT/breed clubs initiative on bloat to come shortly. As for my tone, inflammatory at times, no doubt, but I would hope that most people don't think I am "spiteful and hate-filled".

Why is it "nasty" to comment on problems with pedigree dogs? Why is it based on nastiness? Sure it is understandable that people hate to have their breeds criticised but why would any adult assume that this criticism is done out of nastiness as you and other mental midgets put it.K.

Jemima is well liked among my group of breed fanciers, which number in the hundreds, because she tells the truth. I have an active hunting breed, and I was just admiring the big nose holes in my dog's face. We were one of the first breeds to push for hip dysplasia testing back in the 60s, I think it was, and we got the HD down to such a level that it's a suprise to have a well bred dog with HD, and we're one of the breeds that actively pursues ways to make the breed healthier. When PRA first popped up in the breed (it was late onset, so the affected dog had had a couple litters by then), we were disappointed when we were told that there weren't enough dogs yet affected so it could be studied, as we felt it should have been studied as soon as it happened. As a result of that, CERF tests are the norm now before breeding.

When will you people realise its not jist the show ring that love the face erased look. I can't count the amount of men who love these kind of breeds, , they are hugely popular for a reason and thatd not because gp saw them in the show ring,, I mean look at churchill and all the little toys its spawned everywhere. Thats because they are incredibly popular.

So what? What has that comment got to do with the welfare of the Bulldog? Because it is a popular dog that does not eradicate the welfare issue does it? So, what you are saying is that because show people like the dog and other people like Winston Churchill did too, that justifies continuing to breed the dog down the path of self destruction? Popularity = acceptable to continue to do what we have always done.

Hi anon 11:47, it's not so much that the show ring gets the blame but it is because the effect on a breed comes from showing dogs. It's inevitable. The dogs become tools for competition and to make a breeder's dog stand out from the crowd then a breeder will try and emphasise a breed characteristic. In the bulldog's case, it is the large head and the "old wise general look" and to achieve this the breathing apparatus has been severely compromised. It is the breeders who compete, in any breed, that degenerate a breed to it's knees and almost extinction. The breed becomes so compromised, it can't have puppies naturally because of head size without human intervention, it can't breath comfortably because it's nose has been compromised, it can move easily because it's skeleton has been compromised by over emphasis of it's weight versus height. The puppy farmers, backyard breeders don't care about any of this, all they want is a dog of a breed that can produce puppies and make them money. So although I hate them vehmently, the actual trauma they cause to a breed, in comparison to a handful of show/breeders, is likely to be considerably less. Just my view, of course... I showed for nearly 40 years so have observed some of the despicable behaviour that eminates from the show ring and the desire to make a lot of money regardless of the welfare of the breed. Synsis

I have found this to totally untrue..most pet breeders have no idea what show dogs of their own breed look like, many have never attended a show or are members of their local breed club. This may be a positive or a negative to you but it is mainly true.I do totally disagree with you that untested stock being bred is better than tested stock that most show breeders produce. But to each his own.

The only narcissism on this blog is the blatant egotism reflected in some of the show dog breeders and owners. They take the welfare issues discussed here as a personal attack and criticism directed at THEM, THEIR individual dog or breed, as though they have exclusive rights to the animal.

I don't know what dictionary you are looking up that definition in but it isn't the Oxford English....You can't even spell it correctly, let alone understand it's definition..

The word should stay. It is unpleasant but it demonstrates the sort of unbalanced mind that has to use swearing to put his point of view across. If there wasn't so much truth in Jemima's points of view there wouldn't be so much uproar over them. If they could be refuted by examples there would be no need for this sad man to use rude words to extol the virtues of only creature that will give him the time of day.

If I was Mario, I would sit back love my dog, be grateful that he is as fit as he is, be proud of him and use him as an example of how wonderful the breed can be. Sadly the examples in the show ring prove to be otherwise and there are major health concerns. If Jemima was as described by this person, Jemima would have just wiped the disgusting blog. However, it seems to me, she is prepared to allow this person to air his views.From where I am standing this means that people who would like a bulldog in their lives have just learned that it is possible to obtain one that can be as good as any breed but keeps it's breed characteristics. These people may even contact Mario and ask him who bred his dog. In fact a feather in his cap, so to speak.On the other hand, one could take the view that not only the breeders of Bullodgs are extreme in their breeding choices and go for exaggeration rather than safety and health but also that people who want to own the breed are also extremists. For any breed that is a dangerous road to take. A great pity because he and others who have responded in agreement with him have come out as less than worthy of owning dogs, never mind a bulldog. I very much doubt that when Mario is excercising his bulldog in the park that he (the dog) races around puffing his chest, using foul language and being a general idiot, no I think he probably ambles about with his "little arms behind his back" wishing people "good morning" and inviting them to play if they so wish. Unlike his uncouth yob of an owner. Grow like your dog Mario and desist from being Mario you will be a much happier person. Synsis

One would hope that the educated Mario's face to face verbal communication is better than the written word, but then sadly I very much doubt it. On the plus side You have to admit the unintentional humor is priceless.

Howard Stern is a US radio host of some fame. He had a bulldog that he loved, loved, loved dearly. But towards the end of her life, he publicly asked people to "please stop breeding these dogs". He felt that the health issues were unfairly hard on the dogs and that it was an injustice to continue breeding animals that cannot breathe properly, have facial folds that need constant attention or can develop infections, etc.

He walked into bulldog ownership starry-eyed and walked out disillusioned and saddened.

I listen to Stern every day he has a live show on satellite radio. It's fair to assume that money was not an issue when it came to caring for Bianca.

Bianca lived for 10 years, which is very old for a Bulldog. In the last year of her life that dog was at a vet that specialized in Bulldog care almost weekly for some concern or another. How many people can afford that?

He questions whether you are a lady but he is clearly not a gentleman to use such foul language!!!

He clearly isn't very bright either as he thinks you have a problem with dogs panting (AND he thinks that panting is the way dogs breathe). I would like to see the videos of his 'fit, agile' Bulldog as I have never seen one (all the ones around here waddle down the road gasping for breath until they get to the green where they can empty themselves out and have a nice sit down before they waddle back). And I'm fascinated to see him TYRE down the other dogs - maybe the dog is chucking tyres at other dogs. Even supposing he means tire I don't believe him - take a look at the pic on the right hand side of this blog (Bulldogs @Crufts 2013 Part 1) - that dog couldn't out run me (a 45year old woman) let alone my dog. :)

His post is silly as it is just a rant. Rational argument is fine - maybe produce some evidence to dispute the things you say - but to just assert that he is right and you are wrong because 'he loves his dog' is plain silly.

I was thinking on my dog walk this afternoon why people like pugs and bulldogs and the like.The thing is they do have amazing personalities. I meet lots in my work and they are really nice, they do seem more human in more than just their neonatalised faces. I have seen many clients left their mum or great aunts pug in the will and when it dies...they buy another having been won over.So I got to wondering if their lack of facial expression (and in the case of pugs and bulldogs lack of a proper tail) leads to them being more expresive through their bodies and if that makes them easier for most humans to 'read' than subtle 'normal' dogs?There are some fit bulldogs and pugs and cavaliers and (insert your own particular favourite problem breed) and these should be celebrated and held up as great examples but the bad ones should be held up too. You'd think a vet would like health problem dogs, but really I don't. They get into enough trouble without breeding for trouble!VP

Vicky, I do not buy that bulldogs, pugs etc have more amazing personalities than other breeds. As you say, it might be that they try harder with their body language - something that would be interesting to study. But my guess is that we are projecting more on to the dog because of that neotanised face.

I am staggered that a vet refers to a dog as 'more human'. Anthropomorphising in this way as a professional is something that vets advocate?

It depends what you look for in a dog as to whether you think their personalities are exceptional or not. Some dogs by their very nature are more companionable than others. Being won over by a dog's breed as opposed to the individual's personality? It's like implying the dogs are clones.

I am merely repeating the scientific theory that people are drawn to brachycephalic dogs because they have a more human (and specifically human baby) face. And the OP stated his bulldog was 'the most human'. To me they remain dogs. It doesn't personally 'do it' for me, but it does for many of my clients, who are mostly well aware of the risks it brings. I was just theorising on why other people fall for these breeds and keep buying them even after having expesnive and distressing health problems with them!

Personally it's spaniels which 'do it' for me, especially when hunting and at their most spaniely.

Just to pick up on this, as a vet do you have many opportunities to draw awareness to clients about the issues we discuss on here, such as the brachycephalic breeds? You mentioned that even after all the health problems they endure, they are still drawn to the type of dog. It seems very odd behaviour given the fact that there are so many different types of dogs out there, some of them perfectly healthy.

I do understand being drawn to a type of dog, but I am much more drawn to the behaviour a dog exhibits as opposed to the way it looks. My mutt was adopted as her backside never stopped wiggling and she was able to look me in the eye easily and confidently. I sensed an alert intelligence and I wasn't wrong! But she definitely wouldn't be considered conventionally pretty.

Trust me, vets try to sway their clients towards the right dog for them but too few people ask us for advice before they buy, some have even come in with the new pup saying "I know you're going to be cross with us be we just had to get another pug/bulldog/peke/etc". However I'm as worried when an overweight mum with 3 young kids plonks a collie pup on the table as when a nice young couple come in with a bulldog baby substitute! I do dog behaviour too so I would LOVE people to come and chat before they get a dog. Pup or adult, bought or rescue, pure or mutt there is no one right choice and I would LOVE to help people go into dog ownership with their eyes wide open. *sighs*VP

I think they are butt ugly. No appeal at all.I got banned at a horse forum for saying pleasure horses don't look very pleasurable to me. If they want horses with no forward motion, why not just line up in the ring on those little ponies the kiddies ride in front of the grocery stores? Don't get me started about my beloved breed, the TWH and the vile evil that is big lick. Dressage and rollkur. Racing babies and drugging. It never ends. I see that in every instance where humans get involved in showing and breeding for show, the animals suffer. One of my favorite breeds, the GSD, oy vey.No personal experience, but I would bet cat shows and rabbit shows have the same problems. You go Jemima, you are a wonderful advocate for the animals.

VP, Alexandra Horowitz explains in her book,' Inside of a Dog' why some people might be drawn to Pugs and Bulldogs etc.

Short nosed dogs, such as Pugs, are probably better at bringing close objects into focus - such as the owners faces of the laps they sit on - than longer nosed dogs. Some researchers have speculated that this may make them more attentive to our expressions and thus seem more companionable. This is due to their retinal physiology - the shorter the nose, the less visual streak, the longer the nose, the more visual streak. Dogs with the visual streak, have better peripheral vision whereas dogs such as Pugs, with the more pronounced area centralis have better vision in front of their faces.

The self promotion, entitled self righteous demands for an apology and apparent unwillingness to understand the facts Jemima is addressing in her blogs and productions make for a lack of credibility with Mario Crisan. However, if you click on his name you will be directed to his facebook page where you can peruse his photos, one which stands out particularly. It is a close up of his dogs testicles wherein Mario describes them as his "They are my treasure ... golden balls!" when a poster suggested neutering the dog. He is quite invested in his "child". Therein is the root of the problem, the dog has been anthropomorphised and objectified as human. This is never good when we manipulate their phenotype to appeal to our need for human cuteness.

There's a theory now, or perhaps it has been proven, that lots of men get the menacing breeds to make them feel more masculine. Their testosterone supply is supposedly low due to the amount of estrogen now floating about in the water supply. Neutering them just wouldn't have the same effect! I have heard so many men say they would never neuter their male dogs, and in the case of some men, because they believe their dogs are entitled to a sex life.

http://www.amenclinics.com/?p=3645&option=com_wordpress&Itemid=593 If you read this article by Dr. Daniel G. Amen who "is a physician, double board certified psychiatrist, teacher, five-time New York Times bestselling author and creator of The Amen Solution. He has dedicated his career to changing the lives of his patients and everyday people through helping them improve their brain health.

-One of the foremost brain experts in the world-Distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association-Lead researcher on the world's largest brain imaging and rehabilitation study on professional football players-Author of more than 30 books and five-time New York Times bestselling author-Creator of The Amen Solution"

in the link I posted he goes on to say his wife Tana “also has a black belt in tae kwon do and her approach to romance was more like the typical guy — we’d be cuddling together and she’d say, ‘OK that’s enough, I’ve got to go work out.’ She also loved masculine dogs.

One of our first fights was over what type of dog we should get together. I wanted a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel—they’re cute, little, fluffy, smart, and sweet. She wanted none of it. She actually said that the little dogs were nothing more than chew toys for the bigger dogs. So we compromised on an English Bulldog. Frasier was cute, but not the kind of cute I was looking for." his wife had PECOS "she was treated with a medication used to balance insulin and reduce testosterone levels. The changes were dramatic. Within a few months, her cholesterol dropped 50 points, her insulin levels normalized, her skin cleared up, and her cycle became perfectly regular.

Even more dramatic were the changes in her personality. All of a sudden, she wanted to cuddle more, was less intense, less anxious, and after about six months she had to have a pocket poodle and called her Tinkerbell."

This long essay of mine is meant to show that hormones can affect the kind of dog you want

Not sure about your part of the world, but, IMO the main problem is lack of quality information (and targeted misinformation). I think the fact Ms. Crisan cares about her dog is, at least, common ground. Far easier to educate her than those who's motives are money, prestige, and tradition.

Your PDE videos are not shown here in the US. What little information about health and structure of dogs found in our mainstream media is put out by two large dog food manufactures and the American Kennel Club. Had I not gotten into performance sports with my dogs and had my eyes opened to contrary opinions of diet, structure, and conformation, I would express Ms. Crisan's attitude as well.

Thanks to you, I'm learning and sharing what I learn. Keep up the great great work, Jamima! Now about that friend request...

It always amazes me that Trolls can be taught how to type....yet have little intellectual capacity to actually think for themselves or understand complex issues.

The purebred dog fancy is (albeit very slowly) beginning to evolve and more and more people are begining to become aware of the health & soundness issues that have arisen from many decades of phenotypical breeding practices that focus on breed type to the detriment of the dog's health, function and longevity. This gradual evolution is in part due to those like Jemima out there on the front lines raising awareness. Unfortunately, being on the frontlines one does encounter the ire of the trolls of the world who mistakenly believe that the venom they spew will accomplish something. Like most though, this little rant of Mario's offers nothing but some comedic entertainment value....similar to that of those little cute (and slightly creepy) organ grinder's monkeys....or Honey Boo Boo.

Have a laugh at the little troll's antics and keep up the good work Jemima. ;)

I agree a lot with the anon that was tracking you, as I have too, if passively. Although, in a way you have to, to get serious attention if you ever want to really change anything in the world.

But it will without down inflame people like this, which I feel, despite their childishness, is a very negative result. Its like bullying a little kid who thinks they are all that, and then you put them down at how much a failure they are(even by just showing their foolishness to the world). That's what it looks like to me. Was he asking for it? Actually yes! But I know I've stated some foolish things, and actually boasted to want it be seen, but, given time, I would like erased from the internet. As you know though, that's almost impossible.

I'll maintain the stance of objectivity first, and sensationalism second, and only that it be used when truly needed. It seems the order is in reverse for this blog, but obviously not everything is what I'd like it to be, and I don't expect it to. Still, overall, I think you're doing good. I'll just foolishly hope we don't get as many of these reactions, beyond what we need to see, as anyone can be offended and respond irrationally to anything, but it is best to minimize it.

Using the "See U Next Tuesday" ploy, absolutely outstanding! I find people that have nothing creative to add to a debate usually resort to curse words.

I have a friend who owns a Bulldog so I find the usual claims of "Bulldogs" being fit, agile and healthy quite ridiculous. In 6 years my friend has spent over 10K on non-routine vet care for this dog. My parents have friends who owned 2 Bulldogs that BOTH had to have numerous eyelid surgeries to correct various deformities.

My friend and I went camping last summer, it was about 30C that day. While my dogs (Vizslas) were panting a little from the heat, we were so afraid the Bulldog would go into respiratory distress that we packed up and went home an hour after arriving. Mr. Bulldog was sitting in the shade, on a cooling mat and doing nothing. That dog was panting and wheezing so hard that his tongue was turning purple. Last summer the Louisiana Tech's Bulldog mascot died of heatstroke after accidentally being left outside in the EVENING. Don't try to tell me that these dogs are "fit".

Karen Friesecke says: "In 6 years my friend has spent over 10K on non-routine vet care for this dog. My parents have friends who owned 2 Bulldogs that BOTH had to have numerous eyelid surgeries to correct various deformities."

Wow! At least I now have a better idea as to why insurane premiums have rocketed in the last few years! I wish there was an insurance company that only insured those breeds of dogs without serious conformation or health problems, i.e. one that refused to insure brachycephalic breeds and CKCS, would surely be able to charge less?

It irks me that responsible owners of healthier breeds are subbing the owners of unhealthy ones.

@suziq I feel for my friend, too. He walked into Bulldog ownership clueless and oh boy, has he gotten an education! All these micromanagement things that "normal" dog owners don't think about. His car has no A/C, so if it's too hot outside, he can't bring the dog on a quick trip to run errands. He has no A/C in his apartment, so if there a heat wave, Mr. Bulldog has to go to his parents house where there is A/C. Even simple stuff like lounging with friends in the backyard is a problem for this dog in the summer. Most times when we are "hanging out", Mr. Bulldog has to go inside after 20 minutes or so, he just gets overheated.

@Fran Mr. Bulldog had to have emergency surgery for bladder stones that caused a blockage when he was 3 years old. 8K right there and now the dog pees through a hole in his penis and sheath the vet made for him with a stent. The remainder of the money has been spent battling various skin infections in his facial wrinkles and feet.

Every insurance scheme is based on taking in more money than they are paying out. If this were not the case, offering insurance would be a pretty stupid business model.

Therefore, unless you have absolutely no monetary reserves for next day's emergency, I would recommend that you open a savings account and put whatever monthly premium you would have to pay your insurance company in that account instead. When the need arises, use the funds in that account to pay your vet bills. In the long run, this will cost you less than having pet insurance, and you are not subsidising any of the unhealthy breeds like Bulldogs with your premiums.

I have had a giant breed for over a decade now (so my vet bills are not exactly cheap when they arise), and I still have done significantly better financially than I would have with insurance. Why don't you do the math and see whether the same would have been the case for you?

I'm sorry you are the target of ignorant people who are unable to formulate a decent argument in response to your well presented and articulate views. I think you are exceptionally brave to keep going, despite encountering such abusive hostility.

I am grateful for the work you have done, you have taught me a lot, including educating me about the health issues of my favourite breed of dog.

I'm sure for every single vocal moron, there are dozens of readers who silently support you. Keep up the great work.

Imagine if Thalidomide mothers were that abusive to the doctors who were trying to get Thalidomide banned. It's hard to imagine a mother calling someone an "i... w... c... who'll eat s..." for pleading with the world to stop knowingly breeding more disabled children. Let's try: "I took Thalidomide and MY child is hardly affected, so how DARE you criticise the sale of Thalidomide, you i... w... c...!!!"

What is going on here that some people take criticism of a knowingly-caused disability in an animal as a *personal* affront, and one so grave as to inspire the most heinous of (actually immensely personal) insults?

People who have their callous, narcissistic complicity in systematic animal cruelty exposed are bound to lash out. Especially if their vanity is bound up, not only in an unhealthy identification with a dog's bollocks, but with a fantasy about how much they "love" the creature attached to same.

Those who send profane messages to strangers should pay more attention to the privacy settings on Facebook.

Mr. Crisan claims he works as a "consultant," though at exactly what is somewhat obscure and ...diffuse. I wonder if 14 months of passing part-time acquaintance with a topic qualifies someone as an "expert" in consultant land. I have sometimes suspected as much.

Deafness, with a capital D, is not really comparable to this situation. People who are Deaf have their own language and their own culture, just like any group of people. The only difference is that their culture is created by a lack of hearing. And in their culture, the Deaf function ideally, if you really have to compare it to this situation. Most Bulldogs can't function ideally in any situation.

oh my god in one of the things you linked/meant to link http://retrieverman.net/2013/03/19/something-isnt-right-here/

a comment noted how bulldogs kinda look like KAGANG, the dog that got it's nose ripped of by a motorcycle when she threw herself in front the speeding motorcycle that was on the verge of hitting the two young children.I forgot to note Kabang still has the bottom half of her muzzle. She is getting facial reconstruction surgery to make her face work better and she can still eat as she has part of her tounge left.full story seen herehttp://www.careforkabang.com/

While I'm totally on Jemima's side here, I didn't like to see that some commenters made fun of a minor error or two in Mario's letter. It should have been obvious from his name and a glance at his FB page that he is Italian and not a native English speaker. As an American who lived in Turkey for 5 years, I would have been thrilled to be able to write as well in Turkish as Mario does in English.

As for the substance of his letter: I checked out Mario's Facebook page, and don't see a single photo of his supposedly athletic dog doing anything other than sitting, standing, or laying collapsed on the ground. Where are the agility photos, the dog park photos, the jogging photos? Where is the dog sailing over a tire jump and scaling an A-frame, like any normal dog should be able to do? Since he posts a LOT of photos of his dog, and obviously loves the dog a lot, I would assume that any athlete-type photos would have star billing on his FB page. So I'm doubting that any actually exist...

Dear, Mr. Crisan.I'm so sorry that you have misunderstood the whole thing. Jemima, is only trying to promote to save the breed. If you have not read (which most likely you have not) on her blog, she has blogged about Mabel (a lovely bulldog that has a came from a revised lineage of bulldogs, whom happens to be in a better state than most other bulldogs).you can see with the link right here.http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/2012/03/able-mabel.htmland a second post.http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/2012/06/able-mabel-revisited.htmlAs for being a breed fancier of the bulldogs myself, I do hope that the bulldog has a great future. All the breeders who are breeding bulldogs need to work together to improve the health. It breaks my heart that so many bulldogs die even before they are ten years old. (I mean, since I love the breed SO much, I want to own them much longer in my life than just ten years, right?). Also, why would someone want to invest so much money in costs for vet bills. I will admit, the scientific terms (mutant, for example) Jemima uses can hurt, but she is only trying her best in promoting improvement for the breed. So, I believe you owe her an apology (plus, you totally have no class for calling her a c***). Now with this all said, not all bulldog fans are against Jemima. In conclusion, think before what you say. It's a bit insane to curse out a (BBC) journalist who can expose you to the entire world.

I think Mr Mario has gone to ground to hide his head in shame, both for the comments he has made that are disgusting but also for some of the photographs he has posted on his site. His dog doesn't deserve such humiliation and pervertion because Mr Mario is just ridiculing his much beloved dog. Mmm, not the reaction he was expecting I suspect. Review your blog Mr Mario and read it as we have done and be humiliated by your own words.I sincerely hope your bulldog continues to delight you and give you and your friends years of pleasure and most importantly remains healthy. Synsis

Is this an English Bulldog?http://www.k9puppy.co.uk/StudDog/Bulldog1174.aspx

I'm in NO way endorsing this breeder, but if it is an EB, my guess is there are a number of such dogs lurking in back yards of individuals who have neither the mentoring or knowledge to use them in a manner beneficial to the breed. IMO...it's fine to point out the ills of the show community...and BTW I agree with many of the points made on this blog...but the only thing that's going to help the dogs is setting a positive example. A new kind of club needs to be formed, one that doesn't emphasize show, but hands-on education on conformation, breed history, genetics, and health issues. If owners of dogs such as this could learn the importance of health testing and make better breeding decisions to produce a healthier dog, many of the ills of the show ring could potentially be reversed. It would probably also help conserve genetic diversity as well.

This is an Old Tyme Bulldog - one of several "alternative" Bulldogs out there, none recognised by the Kennel Club and totally unacceptable to KC bulldog breeders. Others include the Victorian Bulldog and the Leavitt Bulldogs As you say, a much more sound conformation.

This dog doesn't look much like a Bulldog. But some of the others are closer. In my (controversial) view, the KC should dump the current Bulldog and consider one of the alternatives.

Same Anonymous here... I like the way the Leavitt people are health testing their dogs. I'm not so sure about having every single breeding approved as you still get into politics of what suits only certain individuals' fancy, but if breed clubs could be run this way AND welcome newcomers including those in need of serious education, I think purebred dogs would benefit from it. I'm a supporter and fan of purebreds for all the good reasons. The issue I have with the show ring. Breed clubs are often nothing more than show clubs and they tend to be elitist groups in it for the sport of winning and little else. People who really need mentoring are prevented from joining and never really learn how to improve their practices. The focus is on winning here and now. If a little of something is good, more must be better and who cares what it does to the dogs in the long run. In a few years, they'll be done anyway. Personally I'd be happy to see the kennel clubs become more versed in animal science and do away with the silly beauty pageants and shows altogether...

I met an Old thyme Bulldog a couple of years ago.. Fantastic dog that had a great temperament and was chasing my dogs around with no problems at all. Still looked like a Bulldog looking out at me but with the nose pulled out, not so wide in the front and taller on the leg. I just marvelled at him and i remember saying to his owner "this has to be the way too go"K.

Ok this has me decided! I will never get an English Bulldog! I will only ever get a Continental Bulldog or a Leavitt Bulldog I'd get a olde English bulldog,but from what I read it isn't always mandatory to health test them.

Both the Leavitt and Continental require health tests, free whelp and have longer noses. Those are the only bulldogs for me :)

It is so odd, to me. I rescue rats, and have been involved in rat showing in the past. In the world of rats, any mutation that is deemed potentially harmful to the rat is banned. It cannot be shown at NFRS shows, and in the case of those banned varieties, cannot even be taken into the building of a show lest it is seen as 'promoting' the variety to the public.

The NFRS, the rat equivalent of the kennel club (in laymen's terms, though its not exactly the same!), has already banned hairless, tailless and dwarf rats. It took a long time to accept the dumbo eared rats, too, for fears the mutation could cause problems. It had to be absolutely confirmed that it didn't before they would accept the dumbo rat.

They have recently banned/removed an established variety of rat as it was proven the variety had a high rate of epilepsy and deafness. The rat fancy is extremely concerned with mutations, and very carefully watches any new mutation that appears, to work out whether said mutation causes the animal any health or welfare problems. Any that does is not standardised, and is frowned upon by the rat fancy as a whole.

Rat people love their rats, and do NOT want to see them ruined or made to suffer for the sake of confirmation.I must stress, though, that this is the british rat fancy. In the USA, these 'banned' varieties are far more accepted and embraced, despite the health and welfare issues than can arise with them.

Now........why is the dog showing world not as concerned for the animal THEY claim to love? I find it such a strange parallel that here in the rat fancy, we are so concerned about not encouraging damaging mutations, while in the dog world they are encouraged.

Hi Rat Fancier, I think a lot of what you say should be adopted, it makes absolute sense. But how do you differentiate between rats? Is it just by colour and their body shapes and features are all the same? Like Jemima, I knew people liked rats but hadn't appreciated that there is a serious fanciers clubs who love them enough to ensure their health is foremost to "beauty". Perhaps a copy of your rules and regs should be submitted to the KC so that they consider it's content.

"It has been the same since 1920 so obviously it's just fine"That's an excuse I've heard about Pekingesese as well - "they've been around for millenia, so obviously there's nothing wrong with them!" (Except that Pekingesese have only been in their present shape for a few decades.)Well, you know, all it takes for a breed to survive is for individuals of the breed to survive until reproductive age - meaning, a couple of years or less. It doesn't take any more than that. Especially not in this high-tech world, where we encourage breeding deformed dogs, through insemination and c-sections.

The thing that surprises me about this, although it shouldn't judging by the mentality of some of the people involved... Is why they think the criticism of particular breeds is based on "nastiness". That really baffles me. These are not all kids posting here and yet they insist that pointing out problems in their chosen breed is done just to be vindictive? Why would anyone do that? What would be the point? There isn't a dislike of dogs behind the comments, so why would anyone think it is "nastiness"! Are there people out there that thing Jemima Harrison was bitten by a bulldog once and is now out for revenge? Come the heck on now people stop talking like children, this has nothing to do with spite. K.

It's how a petulant child would react if you told him you didn't like his T Shirt....'How Dare You!'

It hits a nerve somewhere though, that's what is interesting. Overly defensive reactions are usually due to somebody's Ego getting deflated....or exposed.

It is perfectly OK to question ANYTHING in this Universe we happen to exist in. It is how we learn, progress and improve after all. Perhaps they really don't care about the welfare of their dogs after all....just the money, prestige and warped glory of the show ring...

My dog doesn't do this, so clearly all bulldogs don't do this either! I haven't seen it, so it doesn't exist! Maybe eugenics for objective, non-delusional humans might be a good idea? Crap man, the nutterdom has branched out to all bulldogs now-- statistics are slanted/bias lies, you're an idiot dog racist, you've never met/owned and bulldog and don't know as much as I do about them, my dog hasn't suffocated or overheated to death yet so it will never happen, bulldogs get a bad rap by agenda pushers spreading lies about them being lazy, dumb, unhealthy dogs.I really hope she doesn't fly that poor dog in cargo...

Wow Jemina, today 15th of March 2014 I have found out that you have published the PM I have sent you on FB almost a year ago, a) without asking for my permission to do so; b) without acknowledging and responding to my private message to you .... your actions make me think again about my ''fair-play lady'' comments! To note, I am not a ''fan'' of your and unless you apologise and change your behaviour I will never be or follow you, hence I only picked up on this a year later and that was simply by accident!!!

The good news is that my boy is now 28 months. I also have a girl, few months old and they are both called ''an image of health'' by their bulldog vet which is one of the top bulldog specialists in the UK!! I am very proud to say that my dogs visit the vets only for their annual jabs/checks and occasionally for the odd bug caught in the parks which is beyond anyone's control! I also do all the tests available for the bulldogs in the UK, HUU (clear btw) and the BBC Health Test which is carried out annually, eye test where my boy scored 10 out of 10, test carried out by the UK top specialist! To note, I am not a breeder, I just love my dogs as my children therefore I put a lot of research into selecting a puppy then do all the available tests to ensure they are always healthy! I waited few years for both dogs before I got them FYI! I put my money where my mouth is but what about you and your fans?!?! :)

After reading all the comments, I do remain to the opinion that all those ''specialists'' who are full of knowledge and advice but yet they have never owned a bulldog and maybe some, have never even had a dog, are still ignorant and uneducated!!! A bulldog is a dog like any other dog which requires permanent exercise, love and care. You can treat any breed like a ''couch-potato'' then they'll develop obesity and further health issues! My point has always been that if you treat a bulldog like a normal dog from a very early age, then it will act like a normal dog! I travel extensively through Europe and I always take my dogs with me. They are coping well in all kinds of climate and even with the extreme change in temperatures like for example last summer when we left London it was 10 degrees and raining and 2 days later where we were it was dry heat and 34 degrees. That was a bit brutal even for me but my boy coped incredibly well with the drastic change, he carried on his routine, eating pattern and so on! All absolutely normal!

Also, I read that some of your fans have checked my FB and couldn't find any pics or videos of how active my boy is, well for the record, nobody out of my friends list could access my pics and videos due to the settings I have on there, therefore such claims are pure lies which again shows where this is going .... I have videos of my boy playing, jumping alone or with other dogs, skateboarding and swimming in the sea freely, without a life jacket!!

This year at Crufts, you didn't pick on the BOB because you had no reasons to do so, which to my mind once again shows that in life is not good to stereotype! BOB this year managed a 4th in the Utility Group which to my knowledge has not been achieved by a bulldog for few years! That shows there is some quality breeding around! People put a lot of effort, money and time in breeding top quality but occasionally there will be few dogs that pull the breed downwards rather than upwards! One dog doesn't represent a whole breed!!! This is not happening only with bulldogs and as someone attending the shows I am stating a fact!! My advice to you is that if you do want to help the canine world, you could do some investigation on the show side, see how and why some of the less healthy stock gets to be placed, to win etc. We all know this is happening therefore exposing that would be an amazing start to help breeds get healthier and owners more responsible! Time to put your money where your mouth is for a change! :)

To put a closure on this, I didn't send you any pics or videos because you didn't have the courtesy to acknowledge and/or reply my PM, therefore I don't appreciate the monologues! I do not appreciate your style to ''hit and run'' at various breeds as I am a firm believer in constructive criticism, otherwise it's pointless as you can't make a fool happy!!!

"One dog doesn't represent a whole breed!" - It does when we are talking about BOBs at large shows. It does act as an ambassador, giving a very clear message: "Breed dogs like me if you want to win Crufts".

"My advice to you is that if you do want to help the canine world, you could do some investigation on the show side, see how and why some of the less healthy stock gets to be placed, to win etc. We all know this is happening therefore exposing that would be an amazing start to help breeds get healthier and owners more responsible!"

Dear Mario, but this is exactly what Jemima has been doing. You just failed to notice, obviously )

"I didn't send you any pics or videos because..." - I would like to see photos and videos of your dogs, too. I really enjoy seeing fit dogs, pity I do not see fit bulldogs often. Our show bred bulldogs are not good at running an jumping, only at panting and snoring.

Mario here:I would have either ignored the message or challenged it privately. We all have a reason behind our actions!!

Ok, the end of my original PM is not nice. I dislike bad language and believe it or not I try not to use it, however based on your constant attacks to the this fantastic breed I snapped. I guess I'm a very passionate person! IMO a journalist must always be non-biased and back themselves up with solid evidence every time they present something. Going to a show to hunt dogs in vulnerable positions for photos I don't think is fair! Dogs too get tired travelling to a show and more having their routine disrupted. I think you are very biased writing your articles about certain breeds. As a simple reader they come across as a clear attack to the breed rather than being constructive and actually help improving things. IMO, is great you point out the sad and bad stories that happen in the dog world, however your focus should be around the people who made these bad and sad things happening rather than aim your attack towards a breed and misinform the population. Quite a few comments above state they will never have a bulldog?!?! IMO people are responsible 100% for putting their dog in such sad positions, not the dog or the breed!! There isn't one breed out there that is perfect in terms of health. Most of us do our best for our dogs, some more, some less than the others. I am very confident in my dogs and in my judgement in life therefore for the last year I've taken a different approach to things such as I'm less confrontational when people slag the bulldog and I just enjoy my dogs. They both have an amazing exposure to people of all ages and classes on the continent therefore for me this is the way to be a great ambassador to the breed, let people make their own mind when they meet my bulldogs! I am not a breeder and already I have a waiting list from people wanting pups from my dogs because they are so healthy, fit and adorable!

If you are ever interested to become a non-biased journalist I would perhaps be happy to help you create an article about my bulldogs, showing the ''unknown side of the bulldog'', the normal bulldog IMO. I also have some ideas on how to concentrate on the good points and work towards reducing the bad points that inevitably come with each breed. I very much dislike the concept that a pet cannot be a show dog, hence my determination to prove everyone the contrary! There are a lot of things IMO that could be improved in the show ring, breeding, etc and I think the main beneficiary would be the dogs!! If interested do get in touch privately if not, I wish you all the best!

"There isn't one breed out there that is perfect in terms of health." - that is right, but some breeds are in a worse position than others. And I am sure your bulldogs do not feel hurt by Jemima, they even cannot read. You were very clever to choose a good breeder, obviously, if your dogs are athletic and healthy. However there are so many sad examples within this particular breed, you cannot deny that.

Three years ago two adult male bulldogs died from overheating during a CACIB show in April here in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Yes, it is already quite hot here in April, bit nobody else died. My Malinois felt great on that day. GSDs, greyhounds, akita and irish wolfhounds did well. Even saint bernards and mastiffs were fine, but the two bulldogs died. They were run to a hospital but to no avail. Does that ring a bell?

Shortly before that, their owners strongly criticized the intention of KC to make the breed healthier, stating that bulldogs would stop being themselves if they have longer noses and no fold of skin on the nose bridge (the non-existent now nose bridge). They said they were happy to dote on their dogs, to be helicopter owners and to carry heart medicines and syringes to every walk with their dogs, because it was not difficult and because they love their dogs. Obviously this did not help on that day. I felt great pity for them, I did not want my point of view to be proven in such a way. But it ultimately was.

By telling this story, am I attacking the breed? Do you feel that those owners were right and there was nothing wrong with their dogs? Do you believe a dog who dies after a short stroll on a sunny day can be called healthy? Do their breeders deserve praise? The dogs were multiple Champions and many people admired their short legs and flat faces. Their breeders were considered good show breeders. Do you think a good breeder should care for a show success more than for health and well being?

If your dogs are strong and agile, I do not believe they would do really well in the show ring (see this article - which of the dogs they resemble more? http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/2012/03/able-mabel.html). For bulldogs, it is one or the other nowadays. For the sake of your dogs and your love to them, I hope that they are healthy and not show stars. And if this is the case, then possibly their breeders are among those who agree with Jemima's point of view - that the breed in a great trouble and needs to be saved. And they breed dogs for life and action, and you are actually benefiting from what Jemima and her supporters are doing. So you actually should be grateful, not spiteful!

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About Me

I grew up with pedigree dogs - English Setters, Great Danes, Labradors and, most recently, Flatcoated Retrievers. Today, I share my home with an assortment of dogs, purebred and mutts. In 2008, I directed Pedigree Dogs Exposed, a BBC documentary which uncovered the extent of health and welfare problems in pedigree dogs. The film has now been shown in more than 20 countries. Campaigning for improved purebred dog health is now a great passion - one fuelled by the fear that those who currently view themselves as the guardians of pedigree dogs are, often unwittingly, the agents of their demise.
My mission, then, is to continue to highlight where things have gone wrong and to encourage breeders and Kennel Clubs to embrace reform - particularly when it comes to harmful phenotypes and inbreeding.